History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, Part 103

Author: Warner, George E; Foote, Charles M., joint author; Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota. 1n; Williams, J. Fletcher (John Fletcher), 1834-1895. Outlines of the history of Minnesota
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Minneapolis, North Star Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 684

USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 103

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William O'Keefe, a native of Cork county, Ire- land, was born September 25th, 1834. When fif- teen years of age lie moved with his parents to the city of Cork and remained there with them until 1856, when he came to America. He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad company as freight agent and baggageman until

1867. In July of that year he removed to this city, bringing letters of introduction to Governor Sibley, who immediately employed him in the gas works; three years later he was appointed on the police force, and has since held that position. His marriage with Kate Barry, of Cork, occurred October 16th, 1851. They are the parents of eleven children; eight are living.

John J. O'Leary, son of William and Mary O'Leary, was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 8th, 1825. He received a good business education there, and in 1842 went to Cincinnati, where he learned the crockery, china and glass trade, and in 1854 established himself in that business in his native city, but sold to his brother in 1870. Five years later he formed a co-partner- ship with Thomas Lamb, the pioneer pork man of this city. In 1854 he married at Pittsburgh, Emma, daughter of Samuel Fahnstock.

J. B. Olivier, of French-Canadian parentage, was born December 8th, 1836, at Berthier, prov- ince of Quebec, Canada, where he received an academic education. In May, 1854, he located at St. Paul, and was clerk in the office of register of deeds from that time until December, 1857 ; was in real estate business for a time and was a mem- ber of the legislature in the session of 1859-'60. IIe was in company C, Eightlı Minnesota volun- teers, from August, 1862, till the close of the war; he then engaged in abstracts of title and real estate business until 1872, when he became coun- ty auditor of Ramsey county, and was afterward appointed abstract clerk, which position he now holds. His wife was Marie Louise Capistrant, whom he married September 20th, 1860. They are the parents of nine children ; the living are Marie Louise, Emma Ellen, Genevieve Virginia, Louis J., Eugene E., John G. and Robert W.

Patrick O'Regan, born in 1842 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1855 he came to St. Paul and for five years was in the employ of W. II. Forbes; he then returned to Philadelphia and worked as street-car conductor until 1861. HIe enlisted in the Twenty-fourth regiment Pennsylvania volun- teer infantry ; was made sergeant and served as such until mustered out. At the call for three years' troops re-enlisted and served until honora- bly discharged September, 1864, having participat- ed in all the engagements of the army of the Poto- mac. Since 1866 he has been in the liquor trade

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in this city. In 1867 he married Mary Brady, who has borne him five children.

E. F. Osborne was born in New York city, September 17th, 1847. He attended the common schools three months in the year, until eleven years of age ; afterwards went to sea several years, and in 1872 located in St. Paul. He was with J. H. Woolsey and Company until their failure, when he was employed by the Bennett Osborne manufacturing company, and finally went in business himself, manufacturing steam heating apparatus. Mr. Osborne's first wife was Jennie Campbell, of Providence, Rhode Island, who died in 1874. April 29th, 1875, he married Mary Campbell.

Andrew Oschwald, a native of Germany, was born in 1832. He came to the United States in 1872, and lived five years at Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin. In 1878 he removed to St. Paul, and worked at the Market hotel five months; then one and one-half years in a brewery. In 1879, he opened a hotel, known as the Snelling House, and con- tinues business there. His marriage with Miss Matilda Miller, took place in 1880, at St. Paul. They have one child: Joseph.

George L. Otis, born October 7th, 1829, in New York. In 1837, he went to Michigan, studied law, and was admitted to practice. In October, 1855, he came to this city, and since that date, has practiced his profession with suc- cess. He was elected a member of the legisla- ture in 1857, performing, during that session, valuable service on the judiciary committee; lie was also in the senate in 1866. Mr. Otis was elected mayor of St. Paul, in 1867, and two years later was the nominee of his party for governor, but they were too greatly in the minority to suc- ceed. He has also given several years service to the public as one of the managers of the State Reform school. Mr. Otis is one of the ablest members of the Ramsey county bar, and in the Masonic order, has attained high rank.

Bruce Owen is of American parentage, and was born in the town of Geddis, New York, in 1846. He received his education in the common schools, and left his home in the autumn of 1869. He located at St. Paul in the spring of 1880, and is engaged in the lumbering business. His mar- riage occurred May 4th, 1879.

Jay Owens, a native of Michigan, was born

June 30th, 1852, in Genesee county. In 1856, he went to Saginaw county, and was there given a common school education. He served in the army from 1869 to 1877, as hospital steward. Mr. Owens graduated in March, 1877, from the medi- cal department of the university of the city of New York, and at once began the practice of medicine in St. Paul. Dr. Owens is a member of the State Medical society, and the Ramsey County Medical society. IIe was elected pro- fessor of practice of medicine by the trustees of Hamline university, in the medical department, which position he still holds.

Reuben Overpeck, a native of Pennsylvania, was born March 22d, 1822. IIe moved in 1855, to Dubuque, Iowa, and engaged in the livery busi- ness there until 1871, when he came to this city, and for two years had a sale stable on Fourth street, the old American Express barn. In 1875, he leased No. 146 East Fourth street and expended about one thousand dollars in improve- ments, making the building 50x150 feet; he also repaired and occupied the Wild Hunter's stable, which is 35x62 feet. This stable has capacity for ninety horses beside carriage room 50x60 feet. Mr. Overpeck, also runs an extensive line of hacks and carriages; his foreman, Dow Morrison, who came to this city in 1848, is the oldest ex- perienced livery man in the state.

George Palmes was born in Leroy, Genesee county, New York, November 17th, 1828. His parents were born in Litchfield county, Connec- ticut, and went to New York in 1821. In 1832, they removed to Michigan, where Mr. Palmes was reared. Ilis father died in 1845, and in 1856, he came to St. Paul, where he has since lived. His mother died in Lake City in 1861. Upon his arrival in St. Paul, Mr. Palmes opened a tailor shop which has from time to time been enlarged until he now has an extensive and com- plete merchant tailoring establishment, the oldest in the city, and probably in the state. He mar- ried in Acton, Massachusetts. in 1853, Miss Mary Hull, of Michigan. They have two children; Gertrude and Marion.

Alfred Palmquist was born in Finland, June 21st, 1850. His parents who were natives and residents of Sweden, were traveling in Finland at the time of his birth. He received his educa- tion in the elementary schools of Stockholm, and

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SAINT PAUL -BIOGRAPHICAL.

then for a time studied chemistry and drawing, preparatory to beginning his art. Came to Am- erica in 1872, and after traveling through the West for some time, came to St. Paul and located on the corner opposite his present location, cor- ner of Cedar and Seventh streets in company with P. Jurgens under the firm name of Alfred Palmquist and Company.

C. D. Parker was born in Granville, Ohio, in 1844. Has been in the railroad business since 1870, having been with the South Shore road un- til 1877. Came to St. Paul and for two years was .cashier for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway company. In 1879 he started an agency in this city for the South Shore fast freight line, which is an off-shoot of the Erie and Pacific Des- patch and South Shore line. The general manager of the new company is Henry C. Vilas; the head- quarters are at Cleveland, Ohio. The north- western agency in St. Paul was established in 1879 and has in a short time built up a fine trade.

Otto C. Pasel was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1837. Prior to 1859 he was engaged in mercan- tile business, having been educated in the Royal High school of his native country. In 1859 he came to America and passed two years in New York city, then went to Jefferson, near Cleve- land, Ohio, and lived there until 1864. Ile then visted Germany and upon his return in 1867. married Miss Ellen Francis Orcutt. After spend- ing some time in travel he settled in Oncota, Minnesota, in 1868, and the same year his wife died. In 1869 came to St. Paul and shortly after made a second visit to Germany, where he re- mained during the war with France. In 1871 he went to London and there married Miss Otilda Patz. Returning to this city he purchased of Mr. Whitney the photograph gallery established in 1851, and which has been at 41 East Third street since 1856.

Charles Passavant was born in Frankfort-on- the-Main, Germany, April 3d, 1832. Completed a mercantile course at the age of sixteen years, then for three years worked on a farm and at- tended an agricultural college two terms. Came to America in 1854 and located at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at the end of one year came to St. Paul. Was occupied in various capacities until the spring of 1858, when he became editor of the Minnesota Deutsche Zeitung, and June

following was appointed deputy register of deeds, which office he held until January, 1860. After leaving that office he read law with J. and C. D.Gil- fillan until January, 1862, when he took charge of the office of register of deeds to which he had been elected in 1861. After holding this office until 1866 he took a trip to Germany and remained four months. Upon his return to this city purchased in company with Mr. Geiser, the North-western Steam bakery. From 1870 to 1874 he served as city assessor. then until 1880 he was an insurance and real estate agent. In August of that year he purchased an interest in the St. Paul mills, which are at present under his supervision. Married in St. Paul in July, 1856, Miss Charlotte Schlief. They have had thirteen children, eight of whom are living.

C. A. Passavant was born July 21st, 1857, in this city. With the exception of a trip to Europe, when a child, with his parents, Mr. Passavant has been a life-long resident of St. Paul. He was educated at the high school and the St. Paul bus- iness college, and is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business.

William Patterson, foreman of the car shops of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway Company, was born in Peterborough, Canada, in 1842. Began learning his trade, carpenter and joiner, in Port Hope, and completed it at Wol- cott, New York. Came to the United States in 1861, and after finishing his trade, worked in dif- férent railroad shops, until he engaged on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, at Sedalia, Missouri. He worked in that place until in Au- gust, 1879, when he came to this city, and took his present position. Mr. Patterson was married in Clyde, Wayne county, New York, September 3d, 1868, to Miss Nellie Dudley. They have four children.

Rev. Anthime Payette was born April 2d, 1827, at Repentegny, Canada. Left home in 1845, and after receiving a classical education, was ordained priest in 1855, at Montreal. Was pastor in Cana- da seven years, then came to the United States, and was pastor fourteen years, ten of which was in Whitehall, New York, and four in Minnesota. Since 1878 has been pastor of the French church in this city, St. Louis parish.

P. S. Peabody was born in New York, in 1835. After receiving his education, at the age of eigh-

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HISTORY OF RAMSEY COUNTY.

teen years, he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and after a residence of four or five years, he went to Nebraska. In 1865, came to Minnesota, and until 1868, was employed as traveler for George Pea- body. Ile then went to Pelican Lake and en- gaged in mercantile business. He built the first frame house erected in Otter Tail county. After a residence of five years in that county, he went to Eau Claire, Wisconsin and opened a wholesale liquor house. In 1880, he came to St. Paul and began business in the building formerly occupied by George Peabody, on Third street. The firm is now known as Peabody Brothers and Com- pany. Mr. Peabody was married at Chicago, Illinois, in 1861, to Miss I. J. Wears, who died nineteen years later. His second wife was Miss C. H. Ilandy.

Ashbel II. Pepper, son of Simeon and IIelotia Pepper, was born in Pawlet, Rutland county, Vermont in 1829. Was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. At the age of fourteen years, he learned the tailor's trade, but was obliged to give it up on account of ill health. After teaming for a short time, he enlisted and served nine months in the Fourteenth Vermont Regiment, and was in the battle of Gettysburg. After leaving the army, he went to Rutland and engaged in photographing. In 1871, he came to St. Paul and engaged in the same business. Mr. Pepper was married in Rutland, Vermont, in 1850, to Miss Ilona A. Bent. They have had four children, all living.

T. M. Pepper, son of Ashbel H. and Ilona Pepper, was born in Rutland, Vermont. He re- ceived his education at the common schools, and at the age of fifteen left home. Ilaving learned the art of photography, he came to St. Paul in 1876, and is a member of the firm of Pepper and son. Married in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1875, Miss Gertie Brown, daughter of Dr. Brown. They have three children.

Andrew L. Perkins was born in Medford, Mas- sachusetts, in 1827. Ile was educated in the com- mon and high schools of that place. In 1849 he left home for California ; remained there three years then was eight months in the Sandwich Islands, thence went to South America, and at the end of twenty-one months went back to Massachusetts. Was on the sea as captain for five years. In 1864 came to St. Paul, and is now engaged in the car-

riage business. Married in 1855, Mary W. Rindge of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

W. L. Perkins, a native of New York, was born in 1829. Was raised in New York city, and in 1849 went to California, where he lived twenty one years. In 1872 he came to St. Paul and pur- chased one-half interest in the wholesale liquor business of George Peabody, which was estab- lislied in 1859, and has since been a member. The firm is now known as Perkins, Lyons and com- pany. Mr. Perkins was married in San Francis- co, California, in 1862, and has three children, Mabel V., William L. and Lena A.

David L. B. Peterson was born in Woodstown, New Jersey, January 30th, 1845. While yet quite young he engaged in mercantile business, and in- 1873 he went to Philadelphia and engaged in jobbing in white goods and linens. In 1876 he took charge, as manager and buyer, of the linen and white goods department of the well-known house of Riegel and company. In 1880 he came to St. Paul and took the position of manager of the manufacturing department of Auerbach, Finch and Van Slyck. Married at Pittsgrove, New Jersey, in 1870, Miss Annie L. Richman. Frank T. and J .. Raymond are their children.

John Pfister, a native of Germany, born in 1846. Came to America with his parents who settled in Wisconsin, where he was raised and learned his trade, jeweler, of his father. In 1864 he went to Chicago and stayed one year. In 1874 he came to this city and bought the jewelry store located at 103 Seventh street. In March, 1880, he moved to his present site, 401 Jackson street, where he has a fine stock of goods. Married in 1880 Miss Fer- dinandi Wedig. They have two children, Anton- ette and Joseph I.

John Sargent Pillsbury, Governor of the state of Minnesota, is a native of Sutton, Merrimac county, New Hampshire, born July 29th, 1828. His educational advantages during boyhood were limited to the common schools of his native town. At an early age he commenced learning the painter's trade, but when about sixteen he entered the mercantile business as salesman in a store at Warner. When twenty-one years of age he formed a partnership with Walter Harrimon, afterwards Governor of New Hampshire, which continued two years. Ile then removed to Con- cord, where he remained four years in the busi-

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ness of merchant tailor and cloth dealer. In 1853 he made a tour of observation throughout the western states, and in 1855 he located at St. Anthony, Minnesota, engaging in the hardware business with success. In addition to the losses by the panic of 1857, his establishment was de- stroyed by fire, entailing a loss of twenty-two thousand dollars, with no insurance; but by hard, honest labor and indefatigable energy, he recov- ered, and in five years was again a prosperous merchant. In 1858 he was elected a member of the city council and re-elected for six successive years. When the rebellion broke out he rendered efficient service in organizing the First, Second, and Third Regiments of Minnesota Volunteers, and in 1862, in company with others, raised and equipped a mounted company for service against the Indians. In 1863 he was appointed one of the regents of the University of Minnesota, and its present gratifying condition is largely owing to his prudent endeavors. In 1872 he engaged in the manufacture of flour in Minneapolis, with his nephew, C. A. Pillsbury. The firm of C. A. Pillsbury and Company is one of the largest man- ufacturers of flour in the world. In 1863 he was elected state senator from Hennepin county, and re-elected for four following terms, and again in 1872 and the succeeding term. In 1875 Mr. Pillsbury was elected Governor and re-elected in 1877 and 1879. His administration has been marked by a thorough devotion to the interests of the people of this state. IIe married in Warner, New Hampshire, November 3d, 1866, Miss Ma- hala Fisk. They have had four children: Ida, Susie May, Sadie Belle and Alfred Fisk.

Squire L. Pierce, a native of Ohio, was born in Trenton, March 6th, 1832. At the age of six years he went with his parents to Preble county, where he received a common school education. At the age of eighteen he entered the law office of M. B. Chadwick of Eaton, Ohio, where he re- mained three years and at the age of twenty-one years was admitted to the bar at that place. In 1853 he moved to Wabash, Indiana, and prac- ticed three years, then in 1856 came to Minnesota and settled in Dodge county. Here he engaged in practicing and until 1860, edited the Wasioja Ga- zette. His next newspaper venture was with J. E. Bancroft, publisher of the Mantorville Express. During the final illness of Mr. Bancroft, Mr.

Pierce had the entire charge of the paper and after the death of that gentleman became sole editor and publisher of the paper. Finding that his profession required his entire time he sold the paper and devoted himself solely to practice. In 1872 he came to this city where he has since re- sided. Mr. Pierce was married in 1855 at Wa- bash, Indiana, to Miss Mary J. Adams, who was the first white child born in La Grow, Wabash county, born March 6th, 1837. Their oldest daughter, Nina, born December 25th, 1856, was the first white child born in Wasioja, Dodge county. She is now principal of the public schools at Sleepy Eye. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have seven children, five daughters and two sons.

Azariah T. C. Pierson, son of Joseph B. Pier- son is a native of New Jersey, born in Morris Plains, August 29th, 1815. in the homestead which had been in the possession of the family for two hundred years. Went with his parents to Cin- cinnati in 1819 and returned to New Jersey in 1822, and the next year went to New York city, and in 1837 graduated from the old medical col- lege on Barclay street. Came to Minnesota in the employ of the Indian department in 1850 and two years later brought his family to St. Paul. For a time Mr. Pierson was with the Winnebago Indians, then with the Chippewas and next with the Sioux until the outbreak, and afterwards chief draughtsman in the surveyor-general's office. Married October 19th, 1835, in the city of New York, Miss Eleanor C. Berrien, daughter of James Berrien of Herlgate, Long Island.

Francis M. Pleins was born in Prussia, August 14th, 1823. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the trade of chandler. Came to America in 1849 and settled in St. Louis, and in 1852 went to California, where he intended to locate a soap manufactury, but finding no suitable point he sailed for Melbourne, Australia, where he re- mained until March 19th, 1855. Upon his return to America he was forced to come by way of Liver- pool as all vessels at that time were forced into service to transport the armies to the Crimea. After reaching the United States he went to Du- buque, Iowa, and began the manufacture of soaps, candles, etc., in company with J. P. Farley, un- der the firm name of F. M. Pleins and Company. This firm was succeeded by Pleins and Beach, which existed until Mr. Pleins sold his interest in

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1880, and came to St. Paul to take the supervision of the Minnesota Soap Factory. Was married in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1858, to Miss Dora Ingen- berg, who died in 1871 at Hanover, Germany, where she had gone for the purpose of regaining her health. Four children survive her: Eliza- beth, Thecla M., Frank C. and Rudolph T. Mr. Pleins married his second wife, Miss Louisa Nienstaedt of Dubuqe, Iowa, July 6th, 1872. She has borne him one son, Leo II.

Joseph L. Pollock was born in Montreal, Can- ada, in 1858. Graduated from the high school of that city, and afterward from the Montreal Busi- ness college. Came to the United States in 1879, and located in St. Paul, where he clerked in the grocery store of J. C. MacCarthy for eighteen months, then in June, 1881, purchased the es- tablishment which is located at the corner of Bridge and Fifth streets.

Captain Mark L. Potter was born in Bangor, Maine, on the 1st day of January, 1821. Ilis grandfather had settled in that region at a date prior to that of the Revolutionary war, and his father, David Potter, was almost the first white child born in Bangor. When quite young Cap- tain Potter went to sea, and at the age of twenty-eight, he was master of a ship in the China trade. Soon afterwards he settled in China, engaging in business at Shanghai. IIere he re- mained for a peroid of nine years. Although he had succeeded in building up an extensive busi- ness in shipping and merchandise, and was a large ship owner, it became necessary for him to return to the United States on account of poor health occasioned by the climate. This was early in the year 1858. Still interested in shipping and owner still of many ships, he located in New York, where he continued his maritime operations with unabated success until the close of the war. In the meantime, he was joined in marriage to Miss Marie Plummer, of Bangor, the ceremony being solemnized in that city in 1860. Two chil- dren are the fruits of the happy union; Winfield S. and Marie L. Under the existing conditions prevailing at the end of the war, Captain Potter clearly foresaw the sad fate in store for Ameri- can shipping; that it could not compete with for- eign bottoms so long as our absurd navigation laws were in force. Accordingly, therefore, he sold his ships and ceased to invest money and

time in a failing interest. After this he spent some time looking round the country. In the course of his travels, he visited St. Paul and seeing the energetic character of the people, and the ra- pid growth taking place in Minnesota, he became favorably impressed with the country. As the captain expresses it, " It was not a lazy man's country," but the very place for a man of energy and business like ability to become pleased with. Being convinced that no other point could offer like advantages, he thought it best to identify himself with the interests of St. Paul, and there invest his capital. This was in 1871. It should be mentioned that one of the things that brought him to St. Paul was the fact of his already having invested some $30,000 in the city water works, at the instance of C. D. Gilfillan, whom he had met in New York. Captain Potter is thoroughly im- bued with feelings of faith in the future great prospects of St. Paul, a feeling based upon close and accurate information. Probably few men who have been devoted to business pursuits have traveled so much as the captain. He has visited in three-quarters of the globe, and his journey- ings have been marked by keen observation and intelligent application. The broad views thus obtained show themselves forth in conversation, and the fund of information he possesses, is dis- bursed in a generous, unaffected manner that puts the listener immediately en rapport with his en- tertainer. Since coming to St. Paul he has largely interested himself in real estate, and now owns considerable property, chief of which is the Merchants' hotel, the Church block on the cor- ner of St. Peter and Third streets, and other property on the north-east corner of Wacouta and fifth streets, the latter property it being his intention to improve shortly. Although identified with St. Paul, his family has not resided permanently here ; but early next year it is his intention to build a handsome residence on Summit avenue, opposite that of II. M. Rice. The Merchants hotel property came into his sole possession in 1875, since which time he has spent $100,000 in improvements and enlargements. When the property was in the hands of Mr. Shaw the captain loaned him from time to time var- ious sums of money, amounting to over $100,000 in all. Part of this was secured by first mortgage. When Shaw failed, the captain found that there

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